Health Issues That Affect German Shepherd Life Expectancy
German Shepherds peak between the ages 2 and 6. They're at their strongest in terms of physical fitness and mental sharpness.
They are more at risk for cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and other health issues that could affect their lives.
German Shepherds from the working line usually lead more active lives than their show line counterparts. They require a nutritious diet to help them meet their high activity levels and exercise demands.
Cushing's Disease
German Shepherds can suffer from various health issues, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also susceptible to Cushing's Disease, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. Understanding these ailments and taking the right steps to treat or prevent them can help your dog live longer. Regular veterinary visits, good nutrition, and daily exercise are the key to maintaining good health for this large breed.
Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when a pet's body produces too much cortisol, a natural steroid. A tumor of the adrenal glands, or pituitary glands, is the most frequent reason for the condition. In approximately 80% to 85% of cases, the tumor is on the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized organ near the base of the brain. Around 15 percent of the cases, the tumor is located on the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys.
If a pet is suffering from Cushing's, it becomes more active and consumes more food than usual. Cushing's may also cause increased thirst and the need to urinate. This means that the pet needs to drink more fluids, and go outside for potty breaks more often. Hair loss, a bloated appearance, and lethargy are other symptoms of the illness.
A veterinarian can diagnose this disorder by drawing blood, and performing the adrenocorticotropic hormonal stimulation test. This test involves injecting ACTH into the patient and analyzing their adrenal response. The results reveal how high or low the cortisol level of the patient is.
Once a dog has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, he will need medication for the duration of his life. The medication will slow down the growth of the tumor and keep his symptoms under control. If they are monitored properly and treated, most dogs with this condition be able to live normal lives. The condition can be fatal, however, when it isn't treated and diagnosed in the early stages.
Epilepsy
German Shepherds that are diagnosed and treated for epilepsy could remain healthy and enjoy a full and happy life. Uncontrolled seizures can cause a dog to die from oxygen deprivation, or even a serious injury. Untreated epilepsy may also lead to depression, or the inability to eat or drink.
How the owner manages the situation can influence the effects of epilepsy in German Shepherds. A pet owner who is able to monitor the dog's medication, develop appropriate strategies to manage seizures and build a strong support network is more likely to prolong their pet's lifespan.
Like other breeds of dogs, German Shepherds can suffer from dental diseases. Left untreated, this problem could cause irreparable damage to the teeth and gums and may result in infection in other parts of the body, including the liver, kidneys and the heart. Regular dental hygiene for dogs can decrease the chance of developing this condition.
The chests that are deep in the Shepherd breed makes them more prone to bloat. This stomach-related disorder can be deadly if the intestines twist to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the stomach or spleen. This condition can be fatal in as little as 30 minutes if not treated immediately. If your dog shows signs of bloat, for example crying or heaving, with no food coming in or an abdominal bulge, or lying in a prayer position (front feet down and the rear end up) then take your pet to the emergency vet right away.
German Shepherds with Bloat are at a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy than other breeds. This is why it's important to keep your dog's health up to date with veterinary visits and preventative treatments.
Elbow Dysplasia
The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus (the long bone of the upper forelimb), radius, and the ulna (the two bones that comprise the lower forelimb). The three bones must be able to fit together perfectly to withstand a lifetime of movement. If they do not, a condition known as elbow dysplasia is created. It's the most common reason why dogs are weak in their front legs.
In deutsche schäferhunde kaufen Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen between the bones can erode and cause swelling, pain and numbness. The damage is irreparable therefore it is crucial to diagnose and treat the condition early.
The first indications of the disease in a dog are a mild or intermittent limp, especially following exercise or upon getting up from a resting position. As the disease progresses, the dog's range of motion at the elbow decreases. There may be fluid in the joint.
There are three types of elbow dysplasia. These include: Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP), Osteochondrosis on the Humeral Condyle (OCH), and the Ununited Aconeal Process (UAP). Each of these conditions has its own distinct appearance on x-rays and may be found in one or both elbows.
Rigorous hip and elbow screening of breeding animals is currently the best bet to prevent these problems. However, despite screenings, these diseases can still occur. Breeding only dogs with elbows that have been confirmed to be healthy is the most effective approach. This will stop the genes for elbow dysplasia from passing on to offspring.
Degenerative Myelopathy
Degenerative Myelopathy is a neurological disorder that slowly affects the spinal cord of German Shepherd dogs and causes weakness in the hind legs. The symptoms of DM generally manifest in older dogs and may progress to paralysis. The condition is considered the canine equivalent to amyotrophic lateral syndrome (Lou Gehrig's disease). Despite being genetically predisposed to this condition, it's unclear why some dogs develop the disease whereas others don't.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. The symptoms can be treated with medication, however the condition is progressive and eventually leads to paralysis of the forelimbs, too. Some dogs will continue to endure for months or years with a high quality of life, but it is not uncommon for owners to elect to kill their dog when it becomes incapable of standing or walking on their own.
Your vet will perform a neurological exam and take a detailed medical record to determine DM. The neurologist will search for other diseases with similar symptoms and will take blood samples to check for the genetic mutation that is associated with this disease. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid will also be taken to allow for analysis and exclude other diseases. Neurologists may recommend MRI imaging with our advanced diagnostic imaging service. This will enable your vet to identify the areas of the spinal cord that are affected by DM and monitor the progress of the disease over time. Physical rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial for DM sufferers and help slow the progression of the condition.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
German Shepherds can be prone to health issues that may impact their lifespan. Recognizing these conditions and understanding how they impact your dog will aid you in taking preventative steps that supports their longevity.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) occurs when the inside or outside of the spinal disk "donut" does not stay where it belongs. Each disk has a strong fibrous outer ring, called an annulus fibrosus, as well as an inner nucleus pulposus that is not compressible that absorbs impact. When the nucleus gets herniated it can cause severe pain and a paralysis. IVDD is a degenerative disease however, sudden trauma could cause herniation.
Type I IVDD is characterized by sudden herniation into the spinal canal of nucleus of the disc. This can cause severe pain in the back arching back, weakness of the limbs in the rear and lameness in the hind limbs. It could also be accompanied with weakness, incontinence, and incoordination. If the spinal cord gets compressed and dies it will cause your dog to become completely paralyzed and often not able to use their rear legs at all.
The development of IVDD type II is more gradual and typically occurs in older dogs. Normal wear and tear causes annulus fibers to grow larger with fluid. This causes compression and herniation of spine. This form of IVDD isn't caused either by trauma or heavy exercise, as is the case with Type I. The symptoms include a reluctance to turn the head, an arched back, and an appearance of weak or wobbly on the back legs.